At long last, the Golden State will get a voice in presidential primary elections.

The most populous state in the union has been virtually shut out of one of the nation’s most important decisions every four years by virtue of timing. June primary elections mean that the party nominees are virtually anointed by the time Californians have their say.

Recently, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill moving the primary election to Feb. 5, a super-primary day across the country. This change means that the state has an extra election starting next year. And another election means another occasion for people not to vote.

California’s perpetual election cycle is already tiring, so it’s more important than ever that voters have a reason to go to the polls.

Traditionally, presidential elections motivate larger numbers of voters than state and local elections. Considering the single-digit turnout March 6 for the L.A. municipal elections, another election could have dire consequences for local races.

That’s why politicians must make good on their promise to reach a bipartisan redistricting plan.

Having another election may drive some voters away, but many also stay away because they sense – correctly – that there’s little competition in California’s candidate races.

Unless we want this additional election to siphon off even more voters from the other important races, voters must feel like their vote really does count.